How did they get to Germany: Having lost to Burkina Faso in their opening match they topped their group ahead of rivals South Africa, who lost both home and away to the Ghanaians.

Qualifying star: It was a team effort but the trio of Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, mainly because they play for top European sides, had a big influence.

Manager: Ratomir Dujkovic. A Serbian with a track record of coaching in Africa having led Rwanda to their maiden Nations Cup finals in 2004. The 59-year-old took over in December 2004 from Portuguese coach Mariano Barreto who quit four months earlier.

World Cup pedigree: None. This will be the Black Stars' first appearance on the biggest stage of them all. A force in African football from the 1960s and until the early 1980s, the World Cup was never treated seriously. Poor management both on and off the pitch derailed their efforts to reach the last three World Cups.

Present star man: Essien will need no introduction at the World Cup. The 22-year-old became the most expensive African when he moved from Lyon to Chelsea for £24.4m.

Strengths: An unfancied team with few stars has been gelled under Dujkovic, they showed in their qualifying group they are capable of upsets.

Weaknesses: Lack of consistency in defence and poor finishing could cost them, while the team may lack confidence against the more experienced international nations.

Did you know? Arthur Wharton, born in Ghana in 1865, was the first black professional footballer to play in England. A world-class athlete and professional cricketer, he set a world record of 10 seconds for the 100-yards at Stamford Bridge in 1886. Racial prejudice ensured he never played for England.

World ranking: 48

Odds: 250/1

Local view: "They will not win the World Cup, and, while they could qualify for the second round, I can't see them getting beyond that." Durosimi Thomas, African football journalist.